The new software also comes with a smarter camera experience through 'swipe' and one-touch social sharing, and a more intuitive and social Fastlane home screen.

The messaging service is already available on other Asha phones, which run on the older platform.

Screengrab from Android's WhatsApp app

"Asha 501 will be the first device on the Asha Platform to support WhatsApp. The updated software will offer Asha consumers with a more social experience, building on the previous Fastlane experience. The new interface comes with a single swipe camera, single touch share to Facebook and ability to track Facebook comments and likes right from your Fastlane screen," said Viral Oza, Director Marketing, Nokia India.

Nokia said the updated software with WhatsApp will come pre-installed in all new Nokia Asha 501 handsets, set to hit stores on December 5, 2013 and the existing users can update the software through an over-the-air update.